“The Soul of Philanthropy,” an exhibit focusing on the philanthropic efforts of African Americans in Bartholomew County, will be presented this summer at The Commons in downtown Columbus.
And organizers are seeking public input by May 1 about local African Americans or organizations to possibly add to the display to highlight about 15 people and organizations, from community volunteers to educators and ministry leaders. The input should be submitted in 200 words or fewer and sent to Amy Laker at [email protected] and ideally should include a photo.
The local display also will be part of a national display, according to organizers.
“We just want to make sure there is no one we have really overlooked,” said Tom Harmon, one of the organizers who has been working on plans with others for months. “We just wanted to put out one last call.”
Harmon was careful to explain that this project’s definition of philanthropy focuses on “time, talent and treasure,” and not just sizable financial gifts.
The local exhibit will run from Aug. 5 to Aug. 30 — during Black Philanthropy Month — in the lower level of The Commons, 300 Washington St. And the national exhibit will be shown for about a week during that time.
After being shown in Columbus, the local exhibit is scheduled to become part of a permanent display at the Madam C.J. Walker Theater in Indianapolis next year.
The effort is sponsored by the African-American Fund of Bartholomew County, a part of The Heritage Fund — the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County.
Harmon, president of the African-American Fund, said the purpose of the display is to “inspire and educate.” He hopes it will demonstrate to others the different ways citizens can contribute to their communities.
The national exhibit, “Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited,” presents stories of generosity among Americans of African descent.
Organizers are using photography, poetry and prose to weave vivid stories and reveal the long and often unsung legacy of black philanthropists — from generous donors of wealth to ingenious givers carving “a way” out of “no way.”
The exhibition draws evocative images and narratives from the award-winning book “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists,” by Valaida Fullwood and photographer Charles W. Thomas Jr. Both the exhibition and book explore African American philanthropy and giving traditions grounded in faith, responsibility and social justice.
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A local committee is finalizing an exhibit of African American philanthropy, and welcomes public input on local African American residents who have made a difference in the community.
If you have a suggestion on someone to include, organizers ask that you write 200 words or less on the nominee, and include a photo if possible. Send the information by May 1 to [email protected], or call 812-376-7772.
More information on the national exhibit is available at thesoulofphilanthropy.com.
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